Family outraged about benefit for Streamwood officer accused of brutality

Police say department did not sponsor the fundraiser

June 12, 2010|By Tribune reporter

Family members of a man allegedly beaten in his driveway by a Streamwood police officer — an attack captured on video — say they are angry about a fundraiser held to benefit the officer.

The brother of the alleged victim said the involvement of Streamwood police officers in the benefit Friday was an affront to the family.

"You know we're trying to rebuild the trust that we have in this department. By them doing this, it's hard to rebuild that trust," said Stacey Bell, whose brother, Ronald, was allegedly beaten.

A group of Streamwood police officers held the fundraiser in Bartlett for officer James Mandarino.

Mandarino, who remains on paid administrative leave, is charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct. Ronald Bell, 28, and Mandarino's alleged second victim, Nolan Stalbaum, 38, of Glendale Heights, have filed a federal lawsuit against the officer.

In a beating caught by Mandarino's squad car's video camera, Bell was struck 15 times with a collapsible baton, the suit said.

"We're supporting him in any capacity that we can," said Richard Reimer, an attorney for the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, which represents Streamwood officers. The union didn't sponsor the event, he said.

Nor was the benefit sponsored, sanctioned or supported by the Streamwood Police Department or village, said Deputy Chief Jim Keegan.

Mandarino allegedly shocked Stalbaum with a stun gun and ordered Bell to get on his hands and knees and put his hands behind his head, according to the lawsuit, which alleges Bell was struck repeatedly.